I can be inspired by anything, everything that surrounds - nature, people, objects, the atmosphere of the moment. Most often it inspires unplanned. But to create more you need to take the initiative into your own hands and look for the muse in the works of other artists.
Alexey Vladimir , an amazing conceptual creative photographer from Moldova , having a bachelor degree in Design and Printing Technologies at Technical University of Moldova. He has been taking commercial pictures for top hotels in Maldives and editorials for magazines and also experimenting innovative technologies on his shooting. Alexey has shared his wondering story with Retro Kolkata.
RK : First of all, thank you for accepting our invitation for an interview as our Guest Photographer. Let’s have a jump into the past. What first attracted you to photography?
Alexey : About 11 years ago at our house, there was a small non-mirror camera. My first photos I made on it, and the photo absorbed me.. The main models were our domestic cats. Then I got a Canon 500D camera and began photographing my friends.
RK : At what point did you realize that photography is what you wanted to do as a career?
Alexey : I have always been a creative person, I tried myself in different areas. I came to the photo from Plasticine animation.
RK : What photographers from the past or present have influenced you the most?
Alexey : Over the years I tried new directions, I watched what other famous and not photographers create. From some I learned how to put the light correctly, from other scenery and staging, I was inspired and developed it in my own style. An important place in my development was given to the books by Michael Freeman, Henry Carroll and Ibarionex Perello and many others.
RK : How would you define your style? Alexey : The Fine Art of Fashion.
RK : Why do you prefer doing conceptual photography over other genres?
Alexey : Through conceptual photography I can send sense and experience.
RK : Your projects are a collaborative process. Tell us what is like to always be working with new stylists, models, and designers.
Alexey : There is a part of a permanent team, and there are changing designers and stylists. Always breathtaking work with new people and ideas.
RK : How much equipment do you typically bring to a photo-shoot?
Alexey : It depends on the photo shoot, usually it is a camera, lenses and sometimes a flash.
RK : From conceptualizing to post processes, how much planning goes into a shoot?
Alexey : I am lucky, there is a person who is responsible for planning a photo shoot. I know that it takes a lot of time and effort.
RK : How do you light your photos? Do you use artificial or natural light?
Alexey : I like natural lighting, but sometimes I can't do without artificial.
RK : How would you describe your photographic vision? What kind of feel do you try and create in your photos?
Alexey : If people in the tape stop and think about my photos, this is the highest rating for me.
RK : Of all the images you’ve made so far in your career, which is your favorite and why?
Alexey : From my photos my favorite is "Matador", with a model Raudha Athif, photo taken in April 2015, Male. Its meaning that invisible part is more important than the visible. What is important in a person? No matter how trite it sounded - the soul. The invisible part. To see, you need a special look. And special eyes. The eyes of the Rauda were just like that. It is very sad that such a person passed away.
RK : What projects are you working on now?
Alexey : I can be inspired by anything, everything that surrounds - nature, people, objects, the atmosphere of the moment. Most often it inspires unplanned. But to create more you need to take the initiative into your own hands and look for the muse in the works of other artists. I'm passionate about how Kristian Schuller conveys the dynamics of gentle images in outfits from famous couturiers and the extreme atmosphere, the exuberant spirit of surrealism in the photo of Tim Walker, the naturalness and ease in casual pictures of Patrick Demarchelier.
In plans to capture beauty, lively moments, use new lighting schemes. Now is the season of awesome nature outside the window, lavender fields are currently blooming. Maybe I will prepare for a new photo exhibition.
RK : We (Retro Kolkata) are trying to build one single stage for all the artists, because we believe that artists are the most beautiful creation of God and geographical boundary can never break their unity and harmony. Please say something about our initiative and any special message for your followers.
Alexey : I do not know what will inspire me tomorrow. Everything comes from art, painting, exhibitions, films, things you see on the streets, from people and attitude. Inspiration can come from the past - photographs of the seventies, sixties, thirties. Camera, motor, action!
I think any tools are needed for the artist if they help to develop and open new horizons for creativity. Retro Kolkata is an excellent platform for photographers and models of different levels.
